Best known for writing "Dixie." Other songs written by Dan Emmett include "Old Dan Tucker," "The Blue Tail Fly," and "Turkey in the Straw." Daniel Emmett was a minstrel, song writer, and entertainer. Being a northern sympathizer, he was very distraught when "Dixie" became the Confederate anthem.

Emmett performed in circuses, including the June, Titus, and Angevine Circus.